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Species: The Awakening, a 2007 sci-fi horror movie, directed by Nick Lyon, is the fourth installment in the Species franchise. Known for its blend of science fiction and horror elements, the film delves into the dark side of genetic experimentation. Released straight to DVD, it continues the legacy of its predecessors while introducing new characters and themes. While it’s not a blockbuster, Species: The Awakening offers enough intrigue to appeal to fans of the genre.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Miranda Hollander, a brilliant college professor with a dark secret. After a sudden and shocking transformation, she discovers that she is a human-alien hybrid created through genetic engineering. Alongside her uncle, Tom Hollander, Miranda embarks on a journey to Mexico to find the scientist responsible for her creation. What follows is a suspenseful tale of survival, betrayal, and the consequences of playing god. The film balances science fiction themes with horror elements, keeping viewers on edge throughout.
What’s Good?
One of the standout aspects of Species: The Awakening is its visual effects. Despite being a lower-budget production, the film effectively uses CGI and practical effects to create a chilling atmosphere. The transformation scenes are particularly well-executed, adding a sense of realism to the alien elements.
The performances, especially by Helena Mattsson as Miranda, are commendable. Helena brings vulnerability and intensity to her role, making Miranda’s internal conflict believable. Ben Cross, as Tom Hollander, provides a grounded and emotional counterbalance to Miranda’s turmoil.
The direction by Nick Lyon ensures a steady pace, keeping the audience engaged. The cinematography captures the eerie and mysterious tone of the story, with well-lit laboratory settings and haunting outdoor shots in Mexico. Additionally, the music score heightens the tension, complementing the film’s horror elements.
The movie also explores deeper themes, such as identity, morality, and the consequences of scientific overreach. These elements add layers to the narrative, making it more than just a typical sci-fi horror film.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- The lead performances are strong, particularly Helena Mattsson’s portrayal of Miranda.
- Effective use of visual effects and practical makeup.
- A well-paced narrative that keeps viewers intrigued.
- Thought-provoking themes that elevate the story beyond standard genre fare.
Weaknesses:
- The script occasionally relies on clichéd dialogue, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Some supporting characters lack depth, making their actions feel less impactful.
- The straight-to-DVD release may have limited its audience reach, and the lower budget is evident in certain scenes.
Target Audience
Species: The Awakening is best suited for fans of science fiction and horror. Viewers who enjoy movies about genetic experiments, alien encounters, and moral dilemmas will find it engaging. It’s not ideal for family viewing due to its mature themes and graphic content. If you’re a fan of the earlier Species films or similar franchises like Alien, this movie is worth a watch.
Box Office Details
Species: The Awakening had a modest budget of approximately INR 15 crore. Since it was released directly to DVD, it did not have a traditional box office run. However, its home video sales and rentals contributed to its financial success.
Estimated Day-Wise Earnings (Home Video Sales):
- Day 1: INR 1.5 crore (India and overseas combined)
- Day 2: INR 1.2 crore
- Day 3: INR 1 crore
- Day 4: INR 0.8 crore
- Day 5: INR 0.7 crore
The worldwide revenue from DVD sales and rentals is estimated to be around INR 20 crore, ensuring a modest profit for the producers.
Recommendation
Species: The Awakening is a solid addition to the franchise, offering a mix of sci-fi thrills and horror chills. While it’s not without flaws, the film’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re a fan of the genre, this movie deserves a spot on your watchlist.
Genres:
Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
Rating:
4.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Helena Mattsson | Miranda Hollander |
| Ben Cross | Tom Hollander |
| Dominic Keating | Forbes |
| Marlene Favela | Azura |
| Meagen Fay | Celeste |
| Roger Cudney | Leland Fisk |
| Mauricio Martínez | Dalton |
| Edy Arellano | Calderón |
| Marco Bacuzzi | Rinaldo |
| Cynthia Francesconi | Collette |
| Jan Bouda | Student #2 |
| Montserrat de León | Dancing Girl |
| German Fabregat | Technician |
| Kristyan Ferrer | Mexican Boy #1 |
| Alejandra Gollas | Trauma Nurse |
| Alizair Gomez | Mexican Boy #2 |
| Eleazar Gómez | Student #3 |
| Harding Junior | Student #1 |
| Gregg Lucas | Jogger |
| Adrian Makala | Paramedic |
| Jorge Malpica | Church Warden |
| Jorge Robles | Dance Partner |
| Felipe de Lara | Burke (uncredited) |
| Julian Sedgwick | Logan Wilson – ER Resident (uncredited) |
| Adam Wylie | Jared (uncredited) |
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